Once a child can blend individual sounds to form words, they’re ready to start reading books. With our four children, I primarily used the Bob Books to teach them how to read. I love these books for their simplicity and short length. The mostly black-and-white illustrations provide helpful context without being distracting. Though the stories are a bit silly, my kids enjoyed them, and they sparked great conversations.
Once the child can put individual sounds together to create a word, it is time to begin reading books. The Bob Books series was the curriculum of choice with my children. We started this process with each child about 6 to 12 months before they began kindergarten. Since our children are older than most of their classmates, and we "red-shirted" two for kindergarten, they were at least five-years-old before I introduced a reading program. This milestone occurs at different ages, so don't worry if your preschooler isn't quite there yet.
Set 1: In this set, 3- letter words (mostly CVC – consonant/vowel/consonant -words) introduce the child to all of the short vowels and consonants. The teaching instructions are very short and simple. Prior to the story is a list of new sounds the child will be introduced too. On the back of each book are suggestions for discussion.
Set 2: Beginning where Set 1 ends, this set continues working on CVC and short sight words. A list of the words used in the book is included on the final page.
Set 3: Teaching word families, this set expands the child’s reading by adding consonant combinations and long vowel blends.
Additional Bob Books are available but I do not have personal experience with them.
Introduce the alphabet in an simple way with our Letter Posters featuring each letter with fun formation poems and recognizable phonic images. Perfect for classrooms or home, these posters make learning letters interactive and fun!
• In Set 1, introduce the beginning sounds before reading.
• Look at the title and front cover to predict what will occur in the story.
• Picture-walk through the book before reading it. By looking at the pictures, again predict what will happen.
• Instruct the child to point under the words as he or she reads. Also, point to items in the picture as they are mentioned in the story.
• Make reading a positive experience and take the child’s clue when a break is needed.
• Move on to the next book when the child can comfortably read the current one.
• When first reading the story, repeat the sentence after the child has read it to provide continuity and for the child to hear the words read smoothly and with inflection.
• Be sure to read the back cover to understand the context of the story.
To encourage the child in this process, I've created fun “Reading Checklist” for the first 5 sets of Bob Books. Print and hang in your home. When your child finishes a book, place a stamp or sticker in the box beside the book’s title. Celebrate when a whole page is finished.
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